- Shakti Scheme has enabled over 500 crore free bus journeys for women across Karnataka.
- Women can travel free on all state transport buses by showing Aadhaar card.
- Total ticket value of women’s free travel has crossed ₹12,500 crore as of mid-2025.
Shakti Scheme Karnataka is a significant step by the state government to provide free bus travel for women in the state. Since its relaunch in June 2023, this scheme has benefited hundreds of crores of women, offering safe and free transportation across all major government bus services including KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC.
Shakti Scheme Karnataka Eligibility and Who Can Benefit
Any woman resident of Karnataka can avail the benefits of the Shakti Scheme. To travel free using this scheme, all you need is your Aadhaar card as identification when boarding state-run buses. This scheme is intended to empower women by providing affordable, safe, and accessible travel options.
Also Read – YuvaNidhi Scheme Karnataka – Eligibility, Benefits & Online Application for Unemployed Graduates
How Shakti Scheme Karnataka Works and Key Benefits
Under the scheme, women can travel free of cost on buses run by:
- Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC)
- Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC)
- North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC)
- Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC)
Since the scheme’s restart on June 11, 2023, on average 20-22 crore women have traveled free every month. By July 2025, over 500 crore free rides by women have been recorded, marking a remarkable achievement in public transport accessibility.
In terms of financial impact, women’s free travel tickets are estimated to have a total market value of approximately ₹12,500 crore, reflecting the government’s dedication to supporting women’s mobility and empowerment.
Monthly Free Travel Trends (Jan to June 2025)
- January: 21,11,05,086 women travelers
- February: 19,65,21,093 women travelers
- March: 21,28,71,409 women travelers
- April: 21,45,69,354 women travelers
- May: 22,17,65,141 women travelers
- June: 21,90,69,639 women travelers
- July (up to 6th): 56,05,132 women travelers
Before the scheme, in June 2023 alone, around 10.5 crore women were traveling by these buses. After the scheme’s start in July 2023, this number almost doubled to over 19 crore women, showing the scheme’s immediate positive effect.
KSRTC Bus Shakti Scheme Free Ride
This new opportunity encourages women to travel freely and safely for work, education, and other daily needs, enhancing their independence and participation in society. It also reflects Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s vision for women’s empowerment through better transport access.
To enjoy these benefits, simply show your Aadhaar card while boarding any KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, or KKRTC bus. There is no additional registration process required.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Passengers (Male & Female) | 8,31,60,40,033 |
| Women Passengers (Free Travel) | 4,93,90,56,258 |
| Ticket Value of Women’s Travel | ₹12,511,28,45,094 |
The Shakti Scheme Karnataka stands out as an example of how state government support can transform lives by making transportation accessible and affordable for women. This scheme also contributes to reducing gender disparities and boosting economic participation among women.
For more official information, you can visit the Karnataka Transport Department or KSRTC official websites to stay updated and understand any future expansions or changes.